If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that feels like a sweet, airy cloud of fresh summer berries, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Strawberry Mousse Recipe. It’s perfectly light, bursting with natural strawberry flavor, and so easy to whip up that it quickly becomes a go-to for any occasion. From its luscious texture to its delicate balance of sweet and tangy notes, this strawberry mousse is like a little celebration in every spoonful. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh ingredients are the magic behind this delightful mousse. Each one plays an essential role in creating that perfect texture, vibrant flavor, and inviting color that will make this dessert irresistible.
- Fresh strawberries: The heart of the mousse, they provide natural sweetness, bright color, and a burst of berry flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Balances the tartness of the strawberries, enhancing their natural fruitiness without overpowering.
- Lemon juice: Adds a zesty brightness that lifts the flavors and brightens the color.
- Unflavored gelatin: Gives the mousse its lovely, airy structure with a gentle firmness.
- Cold water: Used to bloom the gelatin so it blends smoothly into the mousse.
- Heavy whipping cream: Whipped up to fluffy peaks, it creates that signature light, creamy texture.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth, rounding out the delicate strawberry flavor.
How to Make Strawberry Mousse Recipe
Step 1: Puree and Cook the Strawberries
Begin by pureeing fresh, hulled, and halved strawberries in a blender or food processor until silky smooth. Pour this puree into a saucepan, stir in the sugar and lemon juice, then gently cook over medium heat for about 5 to 7 minutes. This step allows the sugar to dissolve completely and intensifies the natural sweetness of the strawberries while the lemon juice keeps the flavor bright and lively.
Step 2: Bloom the Gelatin
While your strawberry mixture is warming, sprinkle the unflavored gelatin evenly over cold water in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes to “bloom,” which means it will soften and expand — this makes sure it dissolves evenly and gives you that perfect mousse set without any lumps.
Step 3: Combine Gelatin and Strawberry Mixture
Stir the bloomed gelatin into the warm strawberry mixture until fully dissolved. Then, remove the pan from heat and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature. This cooling step is crucial to avoid melting the whipped cream in the next step.
Step 4: Whip the Cream
In a separate bowl, whip your heavy cream together with vanilla extract until you achieve stiff peaks — this means the cream holds its shape when you lift the whisk. This airy whipped cream is what transforms the dense strawberry base into a light and fluffy mousse.
Step 5: Fold and Chill
Gently fold the cooled strawberry mixture into the whipped cream using a spatula, taking care to maintain as much air as possible. Once beautifully combined and smooth, spoon the mousse into serving cups or bowls. Refrigerate for at least two hours so it sets to that perfect airy but stable texture.
How to Serve Strawberry Mousse Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dollop of fresh whipped cream on top never fails to impress. Fresh strawberry slices or small whole berries look stunning and bring extra freshness. For a little herbal touch and color contrast, a sprinkle of fresh mint leaves adds a refreshing twist and elegance.
Side Dishes
While the strawberry mousse shines wonderfully on its own, pairing it with crispy almond biscotti or delicate shortbread cookies offers just the right crunch. A bowl of fresh mixed berries or a crisp green salad with citrus vinaigrette balances the richness beautifully for a light, refreshing finish to any meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering the strawberry mousse in clear glasses with crushed graham crackers or toasted nuts for texture contrast and visual appeal. You can also pipe the mousse into decorative swirls using a pastry bag for fancy gatherings. For a special touch, serve in hollowed-out strawberry halves or small edible chocolate cups to wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (and who doesn’t want some?), store them tightly covered in the refrigerator. The mousse will keep its texture and freshness for up to 3 days, making it a handy make-ahead dessert for busy days.
Freezing
Freezing strawberry mousse is possible, but be mindful that the texture may change slightly upon thawing as the whipped cream can separate. If you decide to freeze it, place the mousse in airtight containers and allow it to thaw slowly in the fridge overnight before serving.
Reheating
Since this is a chilled dessert, reheating isn’t recommended. The real magic of the Strawberry Mousse Recipe is its cool, airy texture that simply cannot be warmed without losing its charm.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for the mousse?
Yes, you can, but fresh strawberries will give you the best flavor and texture. If using frozen berries, thaw and drain them well to avoid extra moisture in the mousse.
Is there a non-dairy version of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free whipping cream alternative. The texture might vary slightly but still delicious.
How long does the mousse take to set?
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to ensure it sets properly. For an even firmer texture, you can chill it for up to 4 hours.
Can I add other fruits to the mousse?
Definitely! Mixing in raspberries or blueberries with the strawberries before pureeing can add interesting flavors and beautiful color variations.
Do I need to strain the strawberry puree?
Straining is optional. It results in an extra smooth mousse, but if you like a bit of natural texture and fiber, you can skip this step without affecting the flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Mousse Recipe is one of those timeless desserts that feels both indulgent and light, fresh and comforting all at once. It’s simple enough to enjoy on a quiet evening but elegant enough to impress guests at your next dinner party. Give yourself permission to savor each fluffy bite and enjoy the gorgeous burst of strawberry flavor. I can’t wait for you to try it and add it to your dessert rotation—it’s a true keeper!
Print
Strawberry Mousse Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: French-American
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Description
This light and airy Strawberry Mousse recipe combines fresh strawberries with whipped cream and gelatin for a delightful no-bake dessert. Perfectly sweetened with sugar and balanced with a hint of lemon juice, this mousse sets beautifully in the fridge to create a smooth, creamy treat ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) unflavored gelatin
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Puree Strawberries: In a blender or food processor, puree the fresh strawberries until smooth to create the base of your mousse.
- Cook Strawberry Mixture: Pour the strawberry puree into a saucepan, stir in the sugar and lemon juice, then cook over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes until the mixture is hot and the sugar dissolves completely.
- Bloom Gelatin: In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over the cold water and let it sit undisturbed for 5 minutes to bloom and soften.
- Dissolve Gelatin: Stir the bloomed gelatin into the warm strawberry mixture until it is fully dissolved, then remove the pan from heat and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
- Whip Cream: In a separate chilled bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
- Combine Mixtures: Gently fold the cooled strawberry mixture into the whipped cream, taking care to combine them smoothly without deflating the whipped cream.
- Chill and Set: Spoon the combined mousse into serving cups and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until fully set and chilled.
- Serve: Serve the strawberry mousse chilled. Optionally, garnish with fresh strawberries, mint leaves, or a dollop of whipped cream for an elegant presentation.
Notes
- For an extra smooth texture, strain the strawberry puree before cooking to remove seeds.
- Garnish each serving with fresh strawberries, a sprig of mint, or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance flavor and presentation.
- This mousse is best consumed within 2 days of preparation for optimal freshness.
